Published by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ogun State House of Assembly has undergone a significant political transformation, emerging as a one-party legislature following the defection of all remaining opposition lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The development marks a decisive shift in the state’s political landscape and has triggered intense reactions from political actors, analysts, and civil society groups concerned about its implications for democracy and governance.
The Assembly, made up of 26 members, is now entirely controlled by the APC after six lawmakers elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party formally defected during plenary sessions in Abeokuta. Their letters of defection were read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, effectively ending the presence of opposition voices within the legislative chamber. The defectors include the former Minority Leader Lukman Adeleye, alongside Dickson Kolawole Awolaja, Lawal Samsudeen, Waliu Ifedolapo Owode, Oluseun Adesanya, and Damilare Bello.
Their decision did not occur in isolation but followed a pattern of gradual erosion of the PDP’s strength within the Assembly since the 2023 general elections. At the outset of the current legislative term, the APC held a majority with 17 seats, while the PDP controlled nine seats, creating a competitive environment that allowed for some level of political plurality. However, a combination of judicial interventions and political defections steadily weakened the opposition’s position.
One of the earliest and most consequential developments was the legal battle over the Ikenne State Constituency seat. The controversy stemmed from the actions of PDP candidate Babajide Owoduni, who withdrew from the race shortly before the election and communicated his decision to both the party and the electoral commission. Despite his withdrawal, he remained the recognized candidate, was declared the winner, and was issued a certificate of return.
The situation escalated into a legal dispute when the APC candidate, Olakunle Sobukanla, challenged the outcome. During tribunal proceedings, Owoduni claimed he had been abducted and forced to sign the withdrawal documents. However, evidence presented in court suggested he had publicly aligned with the APC after withdrawing from the race. The Court of Appeal eventually nullified his election and ordered that Sobukanla be recognized as the duly elected representative, thereby reducing the PDP’s presence in the Assembly.
Following this ruling, the PDP’s representation declined further as internal party divisions deepened. In 2025, two PDP lawmakers, Rasheed Kashamu representing Ijebu North I and Lukman Atobatele of Abeokuta South I, defected to the APC. Their exit reduced the opposition to six members, setting the stage for the final wave of defections that would ultimately leave the Assembly without any opposition lawmakers.
The last group of defectors cited internal crises within the PDP as the primary reason for their decision. According to Lukman Adeleye, the divisions within the party’s national leadership, particularly between factions associated with prominent figures, created uncertainty and weakened the party’s cohesion. He stated that aligning with the APC was a strategic move that would provide political stability and better position them for future electoral contests.
Adeleye also acknowledged that the lawmakers considered the broader political environment, including the advantage of being aligned with the ruling party at both the state and federal levels. He confirmed that the Assembly had now become a homogeneous body composed entirely of APC members, describing the development as a reflection of political realities.
The defections have drawn sharp criticism from the PDP, which has accused the lawmakers of betraying the mandate given to them by voters. The party’s state leadership argued that the legislators were elected under the PDP platform and should have vacated their seats upon defecting to another party. They described the move as opportunistic and lacking in political integrity, emphasizing that it undermines democratic accountability.
Party officials further contended that the defectors’ continued presence in the Assembly while representing a different party raises constitutional and ethical questions. They maintained that if the lawmakers genuinely believed in their new political alignment, they should seek fresh mandates from their constituents under the APC banner.
Despite the loss of representation in the Assembly, the PDP has insisted that its grassroots support remains intact and that it will continue to reorganize and rebuild ahead of future elections. The party framed the defections as acts driven by personal political survival rather than ideological conviction.
In contrast, the APC has welcomed the development, portraying it as a validation of its governance record in Ogun State. Party officials argued that the influx of former opposition lawmakers reflects confidence in the administration’s policies and performance. They maintained that a unified legislature would enhance governance by fostering cooperation between the legislative and executive arms of government.
Supporters of the ruling party have also emphasized the potential benefits of political stability, suggesting that reduced conflict within the Assembly could lead to more efficient lawmaking and policy implementation. They argued that legislative effectiveness should not necessarily depend on adversarial politics but on collaboration aimed at achieving development goals.
However, the emergence of a one-party legislature has raised serious concerns among political analysts and civil society advocates. Critics warn that the absence of opposition voices could weaken oversight functions and reduce the quality of legislative debate. They argue that a healthy democracy requires a diversity of perspectives to ensure accountability and prevent the concentration of power.
Public affairs commentators have described the development as part of a broader trend in Nigeria’s political system, where defections and shifting alliances are increasingly common. They caution that such patterns, if left unchecked, could lead to the gradual erosion of multi-party democracy and the emergence of a dominant-party system.
Analysts also highlight the constitutional implications of the defections, noting that while lawmakers have the right to change party affiliation under certain conditions, the practice remains controversial when it results in the complete elimination of opposition representation. The situation has reignited debates over the need for clearer legal frameworks to address party defections and protect the integrity of electoral mandates.
As the Ogun State House of Assembly adjusts to its new political configuration, attention will focus on how it balances efficiency with accountability in the absence of formal opposition. Observers suggest that internal dissent within the ruling party, as well as the role of civil society and the judiciary, will become increasingly important in maintaining democratic checks and balances.
The transformation of the Assembly represents a defining moment in Ogun State’s political history, highlighting both the fluidity of party politics and the ongoing challenges of sustaining democratic institutions in a rapidly evolving political environment.
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